Thompson died Christmas Day at the age of 77 after a prolonged battle with cancer .

All those who wish to celebrate his life are invited to a scattering of ashes Friday at Maunalua Bay.

Those attending are asked to gather at 7 a.m. at the Hui Nalu Canoe Club paddling site at the Hawaii Kai boat ramp.

Thompson created a statewide health care system in 1975 for native Hawaiians and co-founded Alu Like Inc. to get federal funding for native Hawaiians in job training, health, housing, education and native rights.

The retired Bishop Estate trustee was a "well-respected champion of Hawaiians and all of Hawaii's people," a spokesperson for the family said.

"Nearly 40 years ago, he recognized the importance of early education -- ensuring that children were cared for in safe and loving environments and prepared to succeed in their educational careers.

Under his leadership as president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, the voyaging canoe Hokule'a retraced the migration routes of the early Polynesians. The modern voyages played a major part in the Hawaiian cultural renaissance.

Thompson served as executive director of the Queen Liliuokalani Children's Center in the 1960s, a state administrator for Gov. John A. Burns, director of the state Department of Social Services and Housing and as the first chairman of the state Land Use Commission, as well as director of the Salvation Army Child Welfare Service.